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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_09.20.2001Page 1 of 2 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission Meeting of September 20, 2001 MINUTES Members Present: Scott LaGrone, Chairman Dr. Ronald Swain Gordon Baker Jack Pittman Paula Boggs Johnny Lacy Daniel Vasquez David Hays Kathryn Heidmann Will Moore David McLaughlin Members Absent: Ann Clarke Snell Clark Thurmond Bill Connor Staff Present: Charles Walker Tina Morris George Russell Guests Present: Ken Evans Following verification that a QUORUM was present, Chairman LaGrone called the Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. DISCUSSION was held regarding the minutes from the August 16th regular meeting and the September 8th special meeting. It was noted that in the September 8th minutes Commission Objectives are mistakenly identified as “steps”. The Commission agreed that this should be corrected. Following discussion, on a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Boggs and seconded by Commissioner McLaughlin, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 16, 2001, meeting. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Gordon and seconded by Commissioner McLaughlin, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the corrected minutes of the September 8, 2001, special meeting. Chairman LaGrone introduced Dr. Ronald Swain who has been appointed to serve the remainder of Commissioner Jones’ term. Commissioner Swain is the Senior Advisor to the President of Southwestern University. Prior to moving to Georgetown, Commission Swain has served on economic development commissions in two other communities. DISCUSSION was held regarding the Commission Policies and Procedures process. Charlie Walker presented to the Commission a document identifying Policies and Guidelines. Chairman LaGrone expressed his approval of the Policies and Guidelines. He asked the Commission to review the Policies and Guidelines and prepare to discuss the document at the next Commission meeting. DISCUSSION was held regarding the request by City Council to hold a joint meeting. The Commission agreed that it would be best to meet with City Council in November. This will give the Commission time to finalize the Policies and Guidelines. Page 2 of 2 Charlie Walker presented a sample Business Visitation Survey and explained the purpose of the survey. DISCUSSION was held on the survey document and methods of performing the survey. Commissioners made suggestions for additional questions. Charlie Walker explained that City Council had directed him to conduct the survey in person. The Commissioners questioned this method. Councilman Evans explained that City Council believed survey participants would be more interested and honest if the surveys were conducted in person. The Commissioners discussed the time involved in conducting in-person interviews. In order to complete the survey in 3 to 4 months, it might be better to send most surveys by mail and perform a limited number in person. On a MOTION duly made Commissioner Lacy by and seconded by Commissioner Moore, the Commission voted unanimously to approve a plan to chose 30 or 40 businesses to which the survey will be conducted in person. Surveys to all other businesses should be sent by mail. Follow-up telephone calls should be made to all mailed-survey participants. DISCUSSION was held on the need for a survey directed to Georgetown residents. Chairman LaGrone suggested that the small retail-working group develop the survey. Commissioner Boggs stated that this project was not specific to small retail. The Commission agreed that all working groups should be involved in the project but small retail should develop the program and timeline. DISCUSSION was held on the EDC organizational structure, memberships, and working-group assignments. Chairman LaGrone announced his resignation as Chairman. He would, however, like to stay on the Commission. Chairman LaGrone asked the Commission to chose a new Chairman. Once a candidate is selected, Chairman LaGrone will take the recommendation to City Council. The Commission would like clarification on memberships and term timelines. The status of the ad-hoc members was discussed. The Commission directed Staff to contact Bill Conner and Clark Thurmond to determine the status of their memberships. Commissioner Swain agreed to join the large-industrial working group. All working groups should work toward reaching their goals by the 1st of next year. On a MOTION duly made and seconded, the commission voted unanimously to direct Commissioners Vasquez, Snell, McLaughlin, and Baker to select a candidate for Chairman. Following Commission approval, Chairman LaGrone will recommend the candidate to City Council. The Manager of Economic Growth and Planning for the City, Charlie Walker, reported to the Commission that he responded to two requests for information but had no serious prospects. Mr. Walker informed the Commission of Main Street Advisory Board and Convention and Visitors’ Bureau Board activities. DISCUSSION was held about the process of hiring an IRR contractor and the job description of the IRR contractor. The meeting ADJORNED at 7:35 p.m.